Disney Revives Tangled Live-Action Remake; Scarlett Johansson in Talks for Mother Gothel

Disney's long-awaited live-action adaptation of the animated hit Tangled is officially back in early development, with an A-list star potentially stepping into a key villain role.

The project, previously put on hold earlier this year, has resumed progress, reportedly with Scarlett Johansson in discussions to portray the iconic antagonist, Mother Gothel. Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, remains attached as director for this reimagining of the Brothers Grimm classic, according to reports from Deadline and Variety.

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks for Mother Gothel, a pivotal role in the live-action Tangled adaptation. Disney's Strategic Pivot: Why the Tangled Live-Action Project Was Revived

The live-action Tangled remake originally faced an indefinite pause in April, following concerns sparked by the commercial performance of Disney's Snow White adaptation. Released in March, the Snow White film reportedly struggled at the box office, generating around $205 million worldwide against a total cost that sources suggest was as high as $410 million.

This outcome led to jitters within the studio regarding the viability of certain live-action remakes. However, Disney later experienced significant success with its live-action Lilo & Stitch film, which debuted this summer and became the highest-grossing MPA title of 2025 to date, pulling in an impressive $1.03 billion worldwide.

Industry insiders suggest the contrasting performances highlighted a crucial difference in audience appeal. Older Disney animated classics, such as the 1937 Snow White, may not resonate as strongly with contemporary audiences as films from the "1989 Little Mermaid musical renaissance" and beyond. Movies like Lilo & Stitch, based on the 2002 film, maintained strong cultural relevance and popularity, which translated into massive box office success.

This shift in strategy appears to favor adaptations of more recent, culturally potent animated titles. The original Tangled, released in 2010, boasts a strong fanbase and sustained appeal, making it a prime candidate for revival under Disney's updated live-action approach. This is also evident in reports that remakes of older films like Bambi and The Aristocats have been canceled, while the studio continues to invest in new intellectual property like the recently announced Impossible Creatures movie franchise.

Scarlett Johansson's Potential Casting as Mother Gothel

The news that Scarlett Johansson is "circling the role" or "in talks" to play Mother Gothel has generated considerable excitement. This would mark a significant casting for the live-action Tangled. Mother Gothel was originally voiced by two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy in the 2010 animated film, a performance lauded for its complexity and depth.

Mother Gothel is a captivating and darkly intriguing villain, obsessed with maintaining her youth by exploiting Rapunzel's magical hair. Her character is known for her manipulative "doting mother" facade, which slowly reveals rampant narcissism and a fierce desire to keep Rapunzel isolated. Johansson's extensive acting range, from action-hero roles in the MCU as Black Widow to acclaimed dramatic performances, makes her an interesting choice for this multifaceted antagonist.

Johansson has had a busy 2025, starring in Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme and Universal's Jurassic World Rebirth, the latter of which grossed $867.9 million, making it the year's third highest-grossing MPA title. She also made her feature directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, which opened to a 94 percent Rotten Tomatoes audience score and received a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Her involvement could elevate the live-action Tangled, following a trend of major stars taking on iconic Disney villain roles, like Emma Stone in Cruella and Angelina Jolie in Maleficent.

The character of Mother Gothel, originally voiced by Donna Murphy, is known for her complex villainy.

The Enduring Legacy of the Original Animated Tangled Film

The 2010 animated film Tangled holds a special place in Disney's modern animation history. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, it offered a fresh, witty take on the classic Rapunzel fairytale. The film enchanted audiences with its compelling story, vibrant animation, and memorable musical numbers.

The original movie featured a stellar voice cast, with Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as the roguish Flynn Rider, and Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel. Its score, by the legendary Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "I See the Light."

Commercially, Tangled was a success, grossing approximately $592.5 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $260 million, making it one of the most expensive animated films at the time. Its popularity extended beyond the big screen, spawning a spin-off television movie and series, Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure, both featuring new songs by Menken and Slater and returning voice cast members.

An abridged stage adaptation, Tangled: The Musical, also premiered on the Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic in 2015, featuring three additional songs by Menken and Slater. A full stage version of the musical is also reportedly in development, further cementing the film's lasting cultural impact and the enduring appeal of its characters and music.

Who Could Be Cast as Rapunzel in the Live-Action Tangled Remake?

With Scarlett Johansson in talks for Mother Gothel, the conversation naturally shifts to who will embody the magically long-haired princess, Rapunzel. While no official casting announcements have been made, fan speculation and industry rumors have highlighted several talented young actresses as potential contenders, each bringing unique strengths to the role.

Sabrina Carpenter is a Fan-Favorite Choice for Rapunzel's Leading Role

Sabrina Carpenter has emerged as a major fan-favorite for Rapunzel, with many online edits envisioning her in the role. Carpenter, a former Disney Channel star known for Girl Meets World, is a Grammy Award-winning musical artist with a strong vocal range. Her existing connection to Disney and significant musical talent make her a compelling candidate, especially if the live-action film retains the beloved musical elements. She is also set to appear in a Seth Rogen-produced Muppet Show special next year for Disney+.

Millie Bobby Brown Could Bring Depth and Star Power to Rapunzel

Millie Bobby Brown, at 21, is the perfect age to portray Mother Gothel's "daughter" and possesses the acting chops to share the screen with a veteran like Johansson. Known globally for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, Brown could showcase a dramatically different side, trading a shaved head for Rapunzel's famously long tresses. With a burgeoning career that includes producing and starring roles in films like Damsel and the Enola Holmes movies, a big-budget Disney live-action film could further solidify her status as a theatrical star, attracting her massive Stranger Things fanbase.

Olivia Rodrigo's Musical Prowess and Acting Experience for the Princess

Olivia Rodrigo, the 22-year-old "Good 4 U" singer, boasts a strong musical background and a growing acting resume. She debuted in the straight-to-video film Grace Stirs Up Success at age 12 and later starred as Nini in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Her impressive vocal abilities and demonstrated acting range, evident in her music videos, could make her an ideal choice for the musically-inclined Rapunzel, expanding her reach beyond music and streaming.

Jenna Ortega Could Break Out of Her Wednesday Persona as Rapunzel

Jenna Ortega, 23, has achieved global fame as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's hit series Wednesday. This role could offer her a stark departure from her "dreary Wednesday persona," allowing her to explore a lighter, more vibrant character while expanding her presence beyond streaming. With a career that started at age 10, including roles in Iron Man 3, Scream, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ortega has a vast range that could bring a fresh perspective to Rapunzel, potentially showcasing her singing talent as well.

Emma Myers, Known for Wednesday, Also Has the Singing Chops for Rapunzel

Emma Myers, 23, who shined as Enid Sinclair, the bubbly roommate to Jenna Ortega's Wednesday Addams, could also be a strong contender for Rapunzel. Starting her career at 8, Myers also possesses singing talent; she even performed with her Wednesday season 2 co-star Lady Gaga in London. Her role as Natalie in the upcoming A Minecraft Movie also gives her experience in large studio productions, making her well-suited for a major Disney princess role.

Sadie Sink as a Leading Contender for the Long-Haired Heroine

Millie Bobby Brown's Stranger Things co-star, Sadie Sink, 23, is another formidable candidate. A former child star herself, Sink played the title role of Annie on Broadway at just 10. With Stranger Things nearing its conclusion, this is an opportune moment for her to pursue leading roles. Her musical theater background and diverse acting talent, including recent rumors of her playing Jean Grey in a Disney X-Men movie, position her as a strong contender for Rapunzel, given her abilities and stage experience.

Isabela Merced's Multi-Talented Background Could Land Her the Role

Isabela Merced is a multi-talented former child star with Broadway experience, singing in Spanish with Ricky Martin in Evita at age 10. She's known for voicing Kate in Dora the Explorer and starring in films like Michael Bay's Transformers: The Last Knight, in addition to releasing her first record, Stopping Time. Merced has recently impressed in Alien: Romulus, HBO's The Last of Us, and as Hawkgirl in Superman. While her commitments to the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow could impact her availability, her diverse talents make her an intriguing choice for Rapunzel.

Brighton Sharbino, a Versatile Actress, Could Bring a Unique Look to Rapunzel

Brighton Sharbino, 23, gained recognition for her role as Lizzie in AMC's The Walking Dead. With an impressive acting resume that includes projects such as The Christmas Trap and The Man in the White Van, she possesses a distinct look that could fit Rapunzel. If the live-action Tangled incorporates musical elements, Sharbino's lack of professional musical experience might be a consideration. However, her acting versatility could still make her a strong candidate, with potential solutions for the musical aspects if she is deemed a suitable fit for the role.

Mackenzie Foy's Early Start and Notable Roles Make Her a Possibility for Rapunzel

Mackenzie Foy, 24, rose to prominence as young Renesmee Cullen in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn films, having started modeling at age 3 and acting at 8. Her early career also includes roles in The Conjuring and playing a younger version of Anne Hathaway's character in Interstellar. Although she hasn't worked consistently in recent years, with her last major roles in 2018's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and 2020's Black Beauty, plus a cameo in this year's The Conjuring: The Last Rites, she could still be a contender. Like Sharbino, Foy's lack of documented musical experience might be a factor, but her acting background remains strong.

Who Might Play Flynn Rider? Fan Theories and Actor Interest for the Live-Action Tangled

The role of Flynn Rider, the charming bandit who helps Rapunzel escape her tower, is just as crucial as Rapunzel's. Fans have already begun speculating about who could fill Zachary Levi's shoes in the live-action Tangled remake. Online edits have frequently featured Taylor Zakhar Perez as a popular fan-cast for the character, showcasing his appeal for the adventurous role.

Additionally, some actors have publicly expressed interest in the project. Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, notably tweeted at Disney, signaling his desire to be considered for a part. While specific roles are not mentioned in his tweet, the timing aligns with the project's revival, sparking further fan discussions about his potential as Flynn Rider or another character.

What Happens Next for the Tangled Live-Action Film Project

While the live-action Tangled is once again moving forward in early development, it has not yet received a formal green light from Disney. Director Michael Gracey is still attached, working from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's script. It is widely expected that the beloved songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater will be utilized in the new film, although no further details regarding music or additional casting have been announced.

The re-engagement with this project underscores Disney's evolving strategy for its live-action remakes, focusing on titles with strong contemporary cultural resonance. Fans can anticipate more casting news for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider "sooner than later" as the project progresses, though a release date remains unconfirmed.

The original 2010 animated film laid a strong foundation for a live-action adaptation.

The journey for Disney's live-action Tangled has seen its pauses and restarts, but with a renewed strategic focus and a major star like Scarlett Johansson reportedly in talks, it seems Rapunzel's adventure is truly set to begin.